ORIGIN AND HISTORY
The Irish terrier is one of the older terrier breeds. Its solid red coat and long, sleek body distinguish it from other terriers. Earlier Irish terriers were black and tan, grey and brindle with the solid reds appearing at the end of the 19th century. In 1879 Champions Erin and Kilney Boy appeared at a show in Glasgow and are considered the mother and father of the breed. During that era the Irish terrier was one of the most popular breeds both in England and the United States. The breed’s high intelligence and even temperament have made it a favorite of both young and old.
DESCRIPTION
Irish terriers are excellent family dogs. They are small enough to adapt to any environment, but large enough to be convincing …show more content…
6, 7 Cryptorchidism refers to one or both testicles not being in the normal location in the scrotum.
The Irish terrier is one of the breeds considered at risk for cystinuria. 1, 2, 3, 6(551), 7
A defect in the proximal tubular transport system allows for the excessive excretion of cystine into the urine. Cystine precipitates in acid urine to form crystals and stones. The condition is believed to have a recessive mode of inheritance in Irish terriers. The disease can be managed by alkalizing the urine and feeding low protein diets.
BEHAVIOR
The Irish terrier is a reckless and bold daredevil. He is apt to quarrel with other dogs, but is a gentle companion to his owners. He needs a lot of exercise if he is to be a satisfactory house dog. A survey of Irish terrier owners in Germany rated the breed as highly active and dog aggressive but intelligent and playful and highly trainable. 15
OLD AGE
This adaptable breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. No ailments are unique to Irish Terriers in their old age.
MISCELLANEOUS FACTS AND RESOURCES
This is a list of Genetic tests available for Irish terriers to identify inherited medical problems that may be recommended by your …show more content…
Ackerman, Lowell, the Genetic Connection: A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. Lakewood, AAHA Press, 1999
7. Padgett, George A. Control of Canine Genetic Diseases. New York, Howell Book House 1998
8. Gough, Alex, Thomas Alison, Breed Predisposition to Disease in Dogs and Cats, 2nd ed. Ames, Blackwell Publishing. 2010
9. Tilley, Lawrence P., Smith, Francis W. K. Jr. the 5 Minute Veterinary Consult; Canine and Feline, 3rd ed. Baltimore, Lippencott Williams and Wilkins. 2004
10. Scott, Danny W., Miller, William H. Jr., Griffin, Craig E. Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology-6th ed. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders Co. 2001
11. Coates, Joan R., Kline, Karen L. Congenital and Inherited Neurologic Disorders in Dogs and Cats. p. 1117 Kirk’s Current veterinary Therapy XII, Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Co. 1995
12. Lorenz, Michael D., Korngay, Joe N. Handbook of Veterinary Neurology, 4th ed. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Co. 2004
13. Genetics Committee of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, Ocular Disorders Presumed to be Inherited in Purebred Dogs, 5th ed. 2009
14. OFA DNA tests: Degenerative myelopathy